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Renteria keeping communication lines open with Lake

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Lake's sliding grab 0:20

4/23/14: Junior Lake robs Gerardo Parra with a sliding grab in left field to record the first out of the game

By Carrie Muskat
/
MLB.com |

MILWAUKEE -- Junior Lake had a rough night Friday. He misplayed a ball in left field, overthrew his teammates on a relay throw, and struck out twice, breaking his bat over his knee after his first whiff in the fifth.

Cubs manager Rick Renteria had a little chat with Lake.

"You have conversations continually to address issues that occur, and you do it in a classroom-type setting," Renteria said. "You talk about it, go over it, and run through the same scenarios. He's still developing as an outfielder."

Renteria asks Lake about being mentally prepared for every scenario, thinking about the batter, how fast he is, what the situation is in the game. But the bat incident?

"He was frustrated," Renteria said.

"All these guys care," Renteria said. "I don't think that's even an issue. What we have to continue to address as a team and players is that we have an idea and a purpose and a mindset of what we need to do out there playing the game of baseball. Every day is a class day, every day is a test. I'm hoping we continue to move forward, and the guys and their skill sets continue to move forward."

Lake is still learning how to play the outfield. He was converted last season after coming up as a shortstop and third baseman.